Open passes clear way for summer recreation in Lode

Saturday

Apr 19, 2014 at 12:01 AM

SAN ANDREAS - Hey, campers, now's the time.

Dana M. Nichols

SAN ANDREAS - Hey, campers, now's the time.

Both Ebbetts and Sonora passes opened at noon Friday, in effect marking the beginning of summer recreation season. The snow's melting fast. And many campsites are available, not yet having been mobbed by the post-Memorial Day crowd.

"The weather has warmed up, and the dogwoods are about to bloom," Calaveras Big Trees State Park Superintendent Gary Olson wrote in an email Friday. "The North Grove campground is in the process of opening. Most of the sites are available, but we have a few minor facilities water issues to resolve. The parkway road will open (today), so access will be available to the river and South Grove."

Olson said Oak Hollow Campground at the park will open May 20.

Folks who love lakes and open oak woodlands of the Sierra Nevada foothills may find that the next month or so may be the best it gets this year.

Yes, the lakes are a little low. But at many, including New Hogan Lake near Valley Springs, there are boat ramps that still reach the water.

And except for some showers that may come through early next week, there's not much rain in sight. In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting that the drought will intensify between now and the end of July.

"This time of year is always the best time of year," said Dan Benedetti, acting recreation manager at New Hogan Lake. "The grass is green. The wildflowers are out. It is not too terribly hot. For all those conditions, this is the best time to come."

Benedetti said Friday that two of the four boat ramps at Hogan can still reach the water.

The opening of Ebbetts Pass on Highway 108 is a week earlier than last year, which was also a year with little snowpack. Typically, the pass opens in late May.

The early opening is good news for anglers in the region, who will be able to more easily access the eastern Sierra slope for the opening next Saturday of trout fishing season there.

The downside to the drought is that July and August may bring camp fire restrictions, low flows on rivers beloved by white-water enthusiasts and the possibility of disruptions caused by wildfires. Last year's Rim Fire, which started in August, sent smoke across the entire region. Many campers and other tourists chose to stay away, and businesses that cater to them suffered as a result.

Contact reporter Dana M. Nichols at (209) 607-1361 or dnichols@recordnet.com. Follow him at recordnet.com/calaverasblog and on Twitter @DanaReports.

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